Holden, MA – Raymond W. Nelson, 78 died peacefully June 7, 2011. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Clara S. (Ekström) Nelson and four children including his daughter Lori and her husband Martin O’Shaughnessy, his three sons: Peter and his wife Kathryn and their three sons Garrett, Tyler and Spencer; Kurt and his wife Laura and their two children Thomas and Sarah; and Douglas and his wife Allayne and their two children Amelia and William. Ray also leaves his brother Richard A. Nelson and wife Birgit in Mashpee MA, and a sister Barbara Swenson in Sutton, MA, cousin Paul Chambers and his wife Marilyn in West Boylston and many other nieces and nephews.
Ray had his own construction business Nelson Contractors and built many fine homes and buildings throughout the region. Ray loved hunting and fishing, especially salmon fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee and deer hunting with his pals in Maine. Despite being a stubborn NY Giants fan, Ray loved cheering on the Patriots, Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox. His jokes, humor and emails will be missed by many.
A committal ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday, June 11th at the High Plains Cemetery in Oakdale, MA after which there will be a gathering of friends and family to celebrate Ray’s life at their home in Holden MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ray’s name to the Central Mass Chapter of Trout Unlimited, stewards of the Quinapoxet River, a favorite fishing spot of Ray's. Donations may be mailed to: Central MA Trout Unlimited Chapter 148, c/o Ray Nelson Fishing Education & Conservation Fund, 76 Cedar Hill Road, Northboro, MA 01532.
Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester assisted the family with arrangements.
Memorial website:
http://www.full-nelson.net/RayNelson